California bans gas car sales then tells people not to charge EVs

California has for decades faced summer energy shortages, and 2022 has been no different. Grid operators in the Golden State told residents this week that they need to get ready to take measures to cut their energy use as the state prepares to get hit with a major heat wave over Labor Day weekend.

Those measures include turning up thermostats and avoiding the use of large appliances. One suggested measure stood out more than others in the wake of current events: The state is now advising Californians to forgo charging their electric vehicles. The advice comes just days after the California government announced a ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars.

In a statement posted Tuesday, the California Independent System Operator said it is working “to bring all available resources online” in the face of the coming high temperatures, and it will be issuing “Flex alerts” over the holiday weekend calling on residents to cut their consumption.

“During a Flex Alert, consumers are urged to reduce energy use from 4-9 p.m. when the system is most stressed because demand for electricity remains high and there is less solar energy available,” the ISO statement said. “The top three conservation actions are to set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using large appliances and charging electric vehicles, and turn off unnecessary lights. Lowering electricity use during that time will ease strain on the system, and prevent more drastic measures, including rotating power outages.”

Multiple news outlets noted the timing of the ISO’s statement coming on the heels of the move to ban sales of gas-powered cars in the future. Critics blasted the government for sending seemingly conflicting messages about the important of EVs while asking EV owners not to charge their vehicles.

The newly installed ban will begin with a requirement that 35% of all new passenger vehicles sold by 2026 will have to be zero-emissions, and that percentage jumps to 68% by 2030. A full ban on the sale of new gas cars will come in 2035.